WPT National Philippines Festival of Poker Runs Jan. 2-8; Features $1,650 Buy-in Main Event and $200,000 Buy-in Super High Roller

Hot on the heels of the wildly successful WPT® National China Main Event at MGM Grand Sanya, where 882 players competed for their share of a nearly $1.4 million main event prize pool, World Poker Tour® today announced the schedule for the Season XIV WPT National Philippines festival at the luxurious Solaire Resort & Casino from January 2-8. For a second-consecutive year, Solaire will play host to a $1,650 buy-in WPT National Main Event and a diverse selection of side events, including a $200,000 buy-in super-high roller, the largest buy-in tournament held in World Poker Tour history.

The action kicks off on January 2 with the $275 buy-in, $50,000 guaranteed Poker King Cup, then heats up on January 3 with the start of the two-day, $200,000 buy-in Super High Roller. Organized by Poker King Club and Cali Group, the Super High Roller will pit top professionals against wealthy enthusiasts to compete in this massive buy-in event.

President and CEO of Poker King Club, Winfred Yu says, “We at Poker King Club always aim to push the boundaries of poker, which led to us being named the ‘Home of the World’s Biggest Game.’ That aim is now coming to WPT National Philippines with a Super High Roller, and we are happy to add the gravitas of well-known poker players into that mix, such as Aussie Millions champion and businessman, Mr. Richard Yong.”

Day 1A of the $1,650 buy-in WPT National Philippines Main Event begins on January 4, and is followed by Day 1B on January 5. Late registration for each starting flight closes at the start of Level 7, and one re-entry per day is allowed. Players who bag chips on Day 1A may play again on Day 1B, and their largest stack will be put into play on Day 2.

The WPT National Philippines festival also includes a $330 buy-in deep-stacked event, a $275 buy-in pot-limit Omaha event, a $165 buy-in ladies event, a $5,400 buy-in high roller, and a $770 buy-in second-chance tournament. At least six $180 buy-in satellites to the WPT National Philippines Main Event are already scheduled from January 2-4, and there will be many more opportunities to qualify in single-table satellites on property.


A leading poker and resort destination in Asia, the Philippines is home to countless professional and recreational players, including WPT Champions Club™ member Noli Francisco. Solaire Resort & Casino is the premier gaming property in Manila, featuring unparalleled hotel, entertainment, and dining amenities. Whether you simply want to enjoy a cocktail in the comfort of the bar, or prefer to take in the sunset over Manila Bay from a world-class pool, Solaire truly has something for everyone.

“We are looking forward to kicking off 2016 with the exciting WPT National Philippines Festival,” said Cyrus Sherafat, SVP of Casino Marketing for Solaire Resort and Casino. “Last year, both local and international players showcased their skills at Solaire, and we are confident they will continue to demonstrate the very best in poker during Season XIV of the WPT. We also believe poker fans enjoy watching the world-class poker competition here at Solaire, and look forward to welcoming back the great fans and players.”

WPT President and CEO Adam Pliska adds, “After experiencing tremendous success in Manila Bay during Season XIII, and generating yet another million-dollar prize pool this season in Sanya, World Poker Tour is proud to return to the Asia-Pacific region this January for the WPT National Philippines festival at Solaire Resort & Casino. With the addition of the $200,000 buy-in Super High Roller, the largest buy-in in WPT history, we look forward to welcoming some of the best poker players on tour to the Philippines, along with some of the world’s wealthiest enthusiasts. Having personally spent time at Solaire Resort & Casino, I am confident that all of the attendees will discover that it is one of the finest resort destinations in the world.”

For a full schedule of World Poker Tour events, head to WPT.com.

About World Poker Tour
World Poker Tour (WPT) is the premier name in internationally televised gaming and entertainment with brand presence in land-based tournaments, television, online, and mobile. Leading innovation in the sport of poker since 2002, WPT ignited the global poker boom with the creation of a unique television show based on a series of high-stakes poker tournaments. WPT has broadcast globally in more than 150 countries and territories, and is currently producing its 14th season, which airs on FSN in the United States. Season XIV of WPT is sponsored by ClubWPT.com, a unique online membership site that offers inside access to the WPT, as well as a sweepstakes-based poker club available in 35 states across the United States. ClubWPT.com also sponsors Season 2 of the new WPT Alpha8 series of super-high roller poker tournaments which is currently in production and which airs on FOX Sports 1 in the United States. WPT participates in strategic brand license, partnership, and sponsorship opportunities. WPT Enterprises Inc. is a subsidiary of Ourgame International Holdings, Ltd. For more information, go to WPT.com.

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Oasis Garden Cafe - Solaire Resort and Casino

For desserts or if you just feel like you're craving for something sweet then this is what I will recommend. One of our stops in Zomato Foodcrawl.

Oasis Garden Cafe is a refreshing centerpiece to the spacious Sky Tower atrium. Bedecked in elaborate bird’s nest interiors, this restaurant is highlighted by a transparent glass roof that brings life to a multihued backdrop of foliage, blooms, and cascading water features.

From morning until early evening, Oasis Garden Cafe offers a wide selection of coffee, tea, traditional snacks, and artisanal finger sandwiches. By sundown, the vibe turns into that of a stylish lounge that offers a full complement of cocktails and drinks served with the usual Solaire panache.

We got Red Velvet Cake with vanilla mascaporne filling and fresh strawberries, Layers of almond caramel filled with caramell butterscotch parfait and roasted almonds, Butter Scotch Macaron Cake and Caramel Cheese Cake. Of all the three pastries I must say that the sweetness are not very overpowering but rather just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth so I'm sure that even diabetics will love it. By the way, before anything else, the desserts that was served to us was not part of their regular menu except for caramel cheese cake so I posted what you can find from their display instead.



And to match those sweet desserts we had Oasis Blend Tea(Oasis Specialty) and Earl Grey(Aromatic Combination of Earl Grey and Vanilla Cream). I'm already sold out on the Ambiance of this Cafe and like it even more when I got a taste of their desserts.

Yakumi Japanese Restaurant in Solaire

Another Restaurant that became a part of our Food Crawl that same day was with Yakumi a Japanese Restaurant in Solaire Resort and Casino.

Whether it’s Sushi, Sashimi, Robatayaki or the freshest fish and crustaceans, world-class ingredients are the highlight of Yakumi. Solaire Resort and Casino’s signature Japanese restaurant in Manila, Philippines offers only the best Japanese dishes created by some of the world’s top Japanese chefs. This Japanese dining destination features an expansive open kitchen that allows patrons of the restaurant to witness how the ingredients–sourced largely from Japan, are prepared carefully like a perfected way of life, and how it is blended using aged traditional techniques, and modern presentations to provide dining customers’ palate, an incredible experience, no other Japanese restaurant here in Manila can provide. Two private Teppanyaki rooms for intimate occasions are available for customers’ exclusive special gatherings and our Sake sommeliers will be by your side during your dining stay to provide their recommendations from our wine selections to complement your meal.

What we had there was something new for me and it is called Fortune Maki Roll or Ehou Maki, which is not the other maki's that I use to taste, this one is pretty special because it is a Japanese Tradition to eat  this maki in whole and I mean everything and it is not the sliced version of maki were you can eat in pieces, and what even astounded me more is the actual size of that maki which is probably a few more centimeters thicker than my arm and I think around 12 inches long so I can just imagine the kind of appetite that you should have to take that challenge. I learned that they do not cut it because if they do it like cutting up your fortune or the money that should be flowing in your house. Fortune Maki can be composed of 7 ingredients which you may choose the composition of your Fotune Maki according to your preference. What I tasted filled my stomach for as you know maki always does that to me, but for heavy eater this is a recommended dish in Yakumi.

One small note is that I like the wasabe that they have because it is not the powdered version. So the effect is definitely different, not the spice that will jump in your nose upon tasting so it is all natural and goes well with your Ehou Maki.

Red Lantern Signature Cantonese Restaurant

As they say the name is a beacon calling out to diners from all over the world who enjoy the best Cantonese dishes to come to Solaire Resort and Casino’s signature Chinese restaurant, Red Lantern. Suckling Pig, Peking Duck, a wide array of delicious homemade dim sums are just the beginning of the restaurant’s list of mouthwatering, and authentic gourmet spectacles that dining patrons here in Manila, Philippines can enjoy. Ingredients arrive daily from Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, all for the enjoyment of food lovers here in Manila. Whether you gather for a private party or simply feel like feasting, Red Lantern signature Chinese restaurant at Solaire Resort and Casino will sure impress.

This next food crawl stop that we had was awesome as well, dinning in to the Signature Cantonese Restaurant in Solaire and got to taste one of their specialties which is the Wuxi Braised Ribs which outsiders often called 'Wuxi Meat Bones' a traditional dish of local cuisine, came from Wuxi San Fong Bridge braised meat, one of the old Chinese villages in China.

Wuxi Braised Ribs

It has color red sauce, crisp into the fragrant, moderate sweet and savory and definitely delicious. Another tender meat treat that I had that day and this is of course highly recommended.

Waterside Restobar

Got a Chance to experience a fine dine of Surf n Turf in this restaurant which is pretty good, I can say that it you can be filled with chunky, fresh and delicious meal. This is going to be the first restaurant for Solaire Resort and Casino that I will blog about.

An all-day dining restaurant that enjoys a fascinating bayside ambience. It serves Latin American and Mediterranean specialties and features a unique ensemble of show kitchens, which includes a paella cooking station, churrascaria, rotisserie, and tapas bar.

Lets start with the Paella which is perhaps not your ordinary paella although I didn't really ate everything in it, from what I tasted, It has something more and you can taste all the ingredients that is in the presentation of the dish and they used Spanish Bamba Rice from Levante for this. And for the preparation of Paella, they recommend that you give them around 30 minutes for preparation.

For Surf n Turf it is composed of Hangar Steak, Pork Back Ribs, Prawns, Salmon. I think there is also a salad but of course knowing me..I didn't pay attention to that part being a carnivore.

This such a treat that's what I can say, I personally like the salmon part of the platter, really tender and satisfies my taste bud, as well as pork back ribs that taste a little sweet, the fresh prawns that is around 6-8 inches big from my estimate, and the juicy hangar steak that is a pretty good combination and something that a meat lover like me will love, this meal can be shared by 4 and probably 6 people and I will recommend that you order some extra rice for this.

Chicago: The Curtain Rises for The Theatre at Solaire

Solaire Resort and Casino announces the opening of THE THEATRE at Solaire this November; a new state-of-the-art, certified lyric theatre in the heart of Entertainment City. This majestic performance venue boasts of an astronomical line-up of performance artists and events; both local and international, in the months to come.

THE THEATRE at Solaire opens its doors for the holidays with the first International Broadway show CHICAGO from December 2 to 21, 2014. This spectacular opening and amazing entertainment line-up for The Theatre signifies the continuance of Solaire’s contribution to the flourishing arts and performance scene in the Entertainment City.

@SolaireResort | #SolaireChicago

Visit solaireresort.com for details

Solaire Resort and Casino Unveils its New Plane Livery

Solaire Resort and Casino, the Philippines’ premier integrated resort, in partnership with Air Asia unveils a breakthrough branding project in the Philippines.

Solaire again raises the bar as it wraps its brightly colored livery on Air Asia’s popular Airbus A320, which is scheduled to embark on its maiden flight this July.  Solaire is the first-ever consumer brand in the country to fully wrap and brand a commercial airline, with an underlying thrust of further promoting tourism in the Philippines and in greater Asia.

This dynamic collaboration between Solaire and Air Asia represents another step forward in an on-going journey towards providing modern travel and leisure experiences for its customers, with a fresh new approach to their target market.  This partnership will facilitate more passenger and cargo traffic in both regional and domestic flights, and foster stronger trade, cultural and tourism ties within Asia.

Solaire owner Enrique Razon Jr. and Air Asia Global CEO Tony Fernandes

“This milestone is a key undertaking between two passionate brands with entrepreneurial and dynamic mindsets. This unprecedented branding project in the Philippines may be taken as a "leadership statement," which attests to Solaire's strong growth momentum in the industry. Yes we are again raising the bar; this time we're taking it to the skies.” says Donato Almeda, Board Director of Solaire Resort and Casino.

Currently, Solaire’s brand colors are donned by just one airplane, but nothing is stopping them from further rolling out this innovative wrap on additional aircrafts in the future with broader partnership arrangements.  The campaign will continue until 2016 and it is envisioned that this high-impact ad in the sky will generate more hype and publicity as the partnership progresses.

Jasper Evangelista, Vice President of Brand & Marketing, Solaire Resort and Casino said, “This aircraft-branding campaign is a strategic branding initiative which would allow us to literally take our brand to greater heights. We have created amazing moments for our customers since Solaire launched last year, and now we’re aiming to further connect with our local & foreign guests and travellers by reinforcing our brand presence in the country’s airports. Sky Solaire will enable us to get immediate traction on this effort and even take it to a level all its own.”

In-line with Solaire’s “Create Your Moments" campaign, which highlights Solaire as the perfect place to create unforgettable memories, this fitting partnership with AirAsia, one of Asia’s leading and multi-awarded airlines in their category, harmoniously evokes the key thrusts of customer service, hospitality, and excitement for both their industries.  This marketing initiative is also primed to open up new revenue streams for both the integrated resort and the airline carrier.

AirAsia Philippines Chairman Maan Hontiveros said, “AirAsia Philippines is a sociable and innovative brand. We also take pride on our collaborative nature. This new livery demonstrates our creative approach to partnerships and marketing opportunities especially with companies that support our vision to grow tourism. We are thrilled to carry Solaire’s brand in the sky and on the grounds at the airports here and abroad extending to as far as our destinations in Malaysia, China and Korea.”

The Solaire experience is stamped with an unparalleled brand of service style, world-renowned Philippine hospitality, top-of-class luxurious accommodations, diverse dining options and impressive gaming facilities, which have all contributed to the way people people view resort casinos in Manila. Many have opted to extend their stay at the resort, to have simply grown to embrace the aspirational and stress-free lifestyle offered to them at Solaire. Solaire Resort and Casino clearly offers the utmost experience of comfort, elegance and luxury in the Philippines right now.



About Solaire Resort and Casino:

Solaire Resort & Casino, the primary property of Bloomberry Resorts Corporation, is a USD $1.2 Billion integrated destination resort on an 8.3-hectare site in Manila, Philippines opened March 2013. Solaire, a luxury destination casino resort, is the first property to open in the Entertainment City, a government sponsored (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) economic development zone.

Solaire’s Phase 1 features 500 luxurious rooms, suites and bayside villas, 18,500 square meters of gaming space, a wide range of award-winning dining experience and signature restaurants, sophisticated bars and lounges, and an ample multi-level car park. The property has additional 258,721 square meter expansion project under development which is expected to open 3rd quarter of 2014. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.solaireresort.com